A line-up of ceremonial celebrations across the hinterland gives Indians something to look forward to in the last month of the monsoon season, as September comes alive to showcase the rural culture in the country.
Perhaps October is the most festive time of year in India, but for those of you who seek a celebration in every month of the year regardless, we’ve got you covered! Village Square lists five exciting rural festivals in September where you can enjoy everything from colourful boat races to vibrant dance performances. That’s the beauty of this diverse country that in every season, and for every reason, festivities are on offer. So pack your bags and get ready to travel to these rural locations for some festive cheer.
In the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Aranmula is a heritage village on the banks of the Pampa river. The Aranmula boat race is held annually in the Malayalam month of Chingam. This is among Kerala’s most ancient and revered boat races, with a heroic legend behind its origin. On this day, snake boats called palliyodams sail together as an offering to Lord Krishna, the chief deity of Sree Parthasarathy Temple. This event is a grand cultural sporting fiesta which attracts tourists in great numbers.
A significant harvest festival of the Sangtam Nagas, Mungmung is a celebration of the community to please the supreme being for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. This festival is celebrated over six days, with each day having different ceremonial practices, including worship, cleansing rituals, community feasting and ultimately harvesting. You can also witness cultural performances by troupes from different villages on this occasion.
Tarnetar’s annual local cultural fair is nothing short of a cultural extravaganza. With a long-standing history, this fair is held each year in Tarnetar, about 10 kilometres from the town of Thangadh, in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, with great pomp. You can witness local tribal music, dance, arts and rural sports in this festival. Young men and women participate in this fair to seek prospective marriage matches. Apart from popular local dances like raas and hudo, you can watch bhajan mandalis (religious music groups) engrossed in singing devotional songs. This fair is also popularly called Trinetreshwar Mahadev Mela.
Also Read: All you can find at the Banni pashu mela of Kutch
The annual Puttu festival of Madurai at the Puttu Sokkanathar Temple is a unique celebration to worship Lord Shiva. Puttu is a popular south Indian dish made of rice and coconuts. This festival takes place on the banks of the Vaigai river, and is considered a major event as Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple and Thiruparankundram temple also take part in the celebrations, though they remain closed. On this day, local residents prepare puttu as an offering for Lord Shiva, who is also known as Sokkar in the region.
Leh, the heart of Ladakh, hosts a grand cultural event annually, called the Ladakh Festival. Organised to showcase the rich culture of the region, the event, held in September, features a vast display of music, dance, arts and crafts. The tourism department and locals come together to conduct this event and promote tourism in the region. At the event, you can enjoy Ladakhi folk dances, music, artisan products, food and games and several other activities. The festival serves as a great way to experience the Ladakhi lifestyle and heritage.
Also Read: Here’s all that happened at Ladakh Nomadic Festival
The lead image on top shows Tarnetar fair, which is held annually in Surendranagar district of Gujarat. (Photo courtesy utsav.gov.in)
